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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
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2019-2020

Secondary education (Advising Track)

School of Education

Concentration(s):
History and Social Studies
Program description

This is an advising map that will prepare you to apply to a Masters in Teaching (M.T.) program. Students complete an undergraduate major (i.e. History, Political Science, Economics, African American Studies, etc), and utilize this map to prepare themselves for admission into both the Teacher Prep and M.T. program. Our Master of Teaching program prepares students for initial teaching licensure eligibility in Virginia.

The Master of Teaching degree can also be pursued as part of the RTR program, an innovative graduate teacher residency that pairs residents with an experienced mentor for our most challenged schools. Starting in 2019, RTR has expanded and now includes the high-needs and hard-to-staff schools in the metro-Richmond school districts of Richmond, Petersburg, Chesterfield and Henrico. If this interests you, please send your unofficial transcripts directly to the program at teachRTR@vcu.edu.

 

Career opportunities

The Virginia Department of Education has identified secondary history and social studies as a critical need shortage area. There is a United States need for passionate, committed, and capable educators who want to inspire the next generation of citizens. There are opportunities to engage with districts in required in-classroom experiences throughout your undergraduate and graduate program as you prepare for your future teaching career. Many teachers choose to take on additional subject content areas or curriculum tasks to help continually improve the classroom learning environment for future learners. Teaching is a profession that allows students to combine their passion for social justice, equality, diversity, and their content area expertise into a meaningful career. Graduates can also find work through programs such as RTR, AmeriCorps, America Reads or The Literacy Lab.  

Change of major requirements

Students do not change into this program as this is an advising map to help prepare applications to a future graduate program. Please see the program description for admissions requirements and contact the School of Education for questions about the admissions process as you near the end of your undergraduate program.

Admissions Requirements for the M.T. and Teacher Prep program:

  • Teacher Preparation Application testing and admissions application requirements can be found on the School of Education Teacher Preparation page

The Masters of Teaching (M.T.) application, GPA and testing requirements are found on the School of Education’s M.T. program website

Bachelor-level job titles
  • *** Completion of a graduate degree may be necessary for the following job titles:
  • High School and Middle School Social Studies (history, civics, economics, geography and psychology)
Professional associations and resources
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
Science required
Foreign language requirements
Additional tuition/fees
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

Contact information

Department name:
Dean's Office
Building/room location:
Oliver Hall, 1015 W. Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23284-2020
Phone:
804-827-2670
Email:
soeinfo@vcu.edu
https://soe.vcu.edu/
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Invalid campus
Major map compass icon
Major map

Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
  • Build a LinkedIn profile, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page.
  • Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) to connect to VCU traditions, networking opportunities, and fellow Rams.
  • Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
  • Research local, national and international news and podcasts to stay informed.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.  
  • Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program.
  • Enroll in 100 level Political Science, Economics, Urban Studies and History classes (see here for suggestions).
  • Take history or political science classes for “broad endorsement”.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Meet with a faculty member to discuss your personal and professional interests.
  • Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond).
  • Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break.
  • Attend at least two or three public talks or events hosted by the School of Education (i.e. John Cook lecture series, Teach-In kick-off).
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
  • Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building.
  • Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections.
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events. 
  • Look for volunteer or employment opportunities to tutor in local schools and community centers.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni.
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
  • Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.   
  • Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
  • Attend an SOE information session or Open House.   

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning.
  • Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides.
  • Complete EDUS 301 and enroll in 300-level Political Science, Urban Studies and History classes (see here for suggestions). Teacher Prep required course.
  • Connect with M.T. faculty in history/social studies
  • Enroll in upper level major courses as suggested for the M.T. additional coursework documents.
  • Start preparing for the required assessments outlined on the Teacher Preparation website.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Create a community-engaged research project.
  • Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
  • Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship.
  • Attend a Wellness Resource Center program.
  • Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by your home department or the School of Education.
  • Volunteer with a youth serving non-profit organization.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Apply to be a Diversity Ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
  • Richmond is known for hosting a wide array of festivals! Learn about new cultures, food, and music by attending one of these events.
  • Update your resume to include how you have developed your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
  • Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
  • Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.
  • Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
  • Update your ePortfolio.
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs and events throughout the year.
  • Look for volunteer or employment opportunities to tutor in local schools and community centers.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Talk to advisors, faculty, and Career Services about graduate school versus a job.
  • Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year. 
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
  • Attend an SOE information session or Open House.   

Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals).
  • Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio.
  • Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences. 
  • Explore applying to the School of Education- Substitute Teaching the VCU Way program
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation.
  • Consider training to become an educator through programs like RTR, which prepares graduates from a variety of majors to become effective teachers in high-need schools.
  • Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview with your Career Services office. 
  • Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate.
Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2019-2020

Secondary education (Advising Track)

School of Education

Concentration(s):
History and Social Studies
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore Year 1
  • Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
  • Build a LinkedIn profile, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page.
  • Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) to connect to VCU traditions, networking opportunities, and fellow Rams.
  • Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
  • Research local, national and international news and podcasts to stay informed.
Experience Year 2
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.  
  • Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program.
  • Enroll in 100 level Political Science, Economics, Urban Studies and History classes (see here for suggestions).
  • Take history or political science classes for “broad endorsement”.
  • Meet with a faculty member to discuss your personal and professional interests.
  • Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond).
  • Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break.
  • Attend at least two or three public talks or events hosted by the School of Education (i.e. John Cook lecture series, Teach-In kick-off).
  • Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
  • Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building.
  • Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections.
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events. 
  • Look for volunteer or employment opportunities to tutor in local schools and community centers.
  • Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni.
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
  • Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.   
  • Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
  • Attend an SOE information session or Open House.   
Year 3
  • See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning.
  • Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides.
  • Complete EDUS 301 and enroll in 300-level Political Science, Urban Studies and History classes (see here for suggestions). Teacher Prep required course.
  • Connect with M.T. faculty in history/social studies
  • Enroll in upper level major courses as suggested for the M.T. additional coursework documents.
  • Start preparing for the required assessments outlined on the Teacher Preparation website.
  • Create a community-engaged research project.
  • Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
  • Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship.
  • Attend a Wellness Resource Center program.
  • Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by your home department or the School of Education.
  • Volunteer with a youth serving non-profit organization.
  • Apply to be a Diversity Ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
  • Richmond is known for hosting a wide array of festivals! Learn about new cultures, food, and music by attending one of these events.
  • Update your resume to include how you have developed your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
  • Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
  • Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.
  • Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities.
  • Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
  • Update your ePortfolio.
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs and events throughout the year.
  • Look for volunteer or employment opportunities to tutor in local schools and community centers.
  • Talk to advisors, faculty, and Career Services about graduate school versus a job.
  • Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year. 
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
  • Attend an SOE information session or Open House.   
Excel Year 4
  • Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals).
  • Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio.
  • Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences. 
  • Explore applying to the School of Education- Substitute Teaching the VCU Way program
  • Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation.
  • Consider training to become an educator through programs like RTR, which prepares graduates from a variety of majors to become effective teachers in high-need schools.
  • Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview with your Career Services office. 
  • Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate.